Authority: High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad

Order Date: 04/08/2026

Case Overview

  • Applicant: Vijay M. Tanna, Branch Manager of State Bank of India, Moriya Branch.
  • Respondent: State of Gujarat.
  • FIR: C.R. No.11192015260858 of 2026, registered at Changodar Police Station, District Ahmedabad Rural.
  • Charges: Offences punishable under Sections 318(4) and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
  • Application filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) seeking anticipatory bail.
  • Additional Public Prosecutor waived service of notice for the State of Gujarat.
  • Advocate for applicant argued custodial interrogation unnecessary, assured availability during investigation and trial, and willingness to comply with any conditions.
  • State’s Additional Public Prosecutor opposed bail citing nature and gravity of offence.
  • Court considered factors: nature and gravity of accusation, applicant’s clean antecedent record, his position as SBI Branch Manager, existence of civil litigation filed by the bank, and applicant’s assurance of not fleeing.
  • Court referenced Supreme Court precedents: Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014), Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI (2022), Md. Asfak Alam v. State of Jharkhand (2023), Siddharam Satlingappa Mhetre v. State of Maharashtra (2011), Gurubaksh Singh Sibbia & Others (1980), and Sushila Aggarwal v. State (2020).

Final Outcome

  • Anticipatory bail granted.
  • Applicant to furnish a personal bond of Rs.10,000/- with one surety of equal amount.
  • Conditions imposed:

(a) Cooperate with investigation and be available for interrogation when required.

(b) Not induce, threaten, or promise any person acquainted with the case to dissuade disclosure to court or police.

(c) Not obstruct or hamper police investigation or tamper with evidence.

(d) Appear at the concerned Police Station on 11.08.2026 between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.

(e) Furnish address to investigating officer and court at bond execution and not change residence until final disposal.

(f) Not leave India without Court permission; if possessing a passport, deposit it with the trial Court within one week.

(g) Police may move the trial Court under Section 483(2) of the BNSS for arrest if any term is violated (e.g., absconding, non‑cooperation, intimidation of witnesses).

  • The trial Court shall not be influenced by the observations made by this Court while considering the bail application.
  • The order does not limit police or investigative agency rights to investigate the charges.
  • Rule made absolute; direct service permitted.
  • Order signed by Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev J. Thaker and digitally signed by Maheshkumar Hasmukhlal Dave, Principal Private Secretary, on 04/08/2026 at 14:15:09.

Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Judicial Order, Banking Employee